Accumulator having a heat insulating cover

Abstract

An accumulator assembly having an accumulator surrounded by a heat insulating layer on the outer side thereof. The container includes mounting devices formed on the exterior thereof for mounting the accumulator assembly in place.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An accumulator assembly for an air conditioning system of an automotive vehicle, comprising: accumulator for receiving refrigerant therein; and   a heat insulating container surrounding said accumulator, said heat insulating container including: a generally cylindrical top member having a top surface and a generally cylindrical wall projecting therefrom having an interior surface and an exterior surface, said top member including a plurality of rib members extending vertically on the interior surface thereof, said top member rib members being tapered at one end thereof;   a generally cylindrical lower member having a base member with a condensate relieving aperture formed thereinto, said lower member further having a generally cylindrical wall projecting vertically from said base member to an open end which defines an accumulator receiving volume thereby, said wall having an interior surface and an exterior surface, said top member being matingly engageable with said lower member, said lower member including: a plurality of rib members being formed on and extending vertically along the interior surface of said wall, said rib members being tapered at the open end, said rib members further extending radially across said base member;   a plurality of mounting devices formed on the exterior surface thereof, wherein said accumulator assembly can be mounted to a stationery surface by said mounting devices, each of said mounting devices including a pocket-shaped socket, the pocket-shaped socket including a short arm portion extending horizontally away from the exterior surface of said lower member and a long arm portion extending vertically from said short arm portion so as to define a receiving space thereby for receiving a mounting stud therein, said short arm portion including an opening for receiving a portion of said mounting stud therethrough; and     an air gap formed by said rib members and interposed between said accumulator and said interior wall of said lower member.     
     
     
       2. An accumulator assembly according to claim 1, wherein said mounting device includes a catch for securing said mounting stud thereinto.